K.N.O.W. Home Health - ANTIARRHYTHMIC

ANTIARRHYTHMICS (e.g., Amiodarone, Digoxin, Lidocaine):

High-Risk Concerns with Antiarrhythmics :

· High Risk: Cardiac arrhythmias, QT prolongation, digoxin toxicity.

General Guidance:

• Do not ignore any unusual symptoms.

• Mild symptoms should be reported to your home health agency.

• Severe symptoms require emergency medical attention.

Call Your Home Health Agency Immediately if You Experience:

· Mild dizziness or lightheadedness

· Fatigue or weakness beyond usual levels

· Mild swelling in the legs or ankles

· New or worsening shortness of breath that is not severe

· Mild nausea or loss of appetite

· Skin sensitivity

· Mild tremors or coordination issues

· Mild palpitations (occasional fluttering in the chest without other symptoms)

Go to the Emergency Room (or Call 911) If You Have:

· Severe dizziness, fainting, or near fainting (may indicate dangerous bradycardia or arrhythmia)

· Severe chest pain or pressure (possible heart attack or arrhythmia)

· New or worsening irregular heartbeat (rapid, slow, or skipping beats)

· Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (may indicate pulmonary toxicity or heart failure)

· Severe swelling of the legs, abdomen, or sudden weight gain (possible heart failure)

· Uncontrolled or extreme fatigue/weakness (could indicate worsening heart function)

· Sudden confusion, severe headache, or vision changes (possible stroke or medication toxicity)

· Severe tremors, unsteady gait, or uncontrolled muscle movements (potential toxicity)

· Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe nausea (possible liver toxicity with Amiodarone)

· Coughing up blood or severe coughing (possible pulmonary toxicity with Amiodarone)

· Seizures

Since antiarrhythmic medications affect heart rhythm and other vital systems, even moderate symptoms should be reported promptly to the Home Health Agency. If symptoms are sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening, call 911 or go to the ER immediately.